By Blake Jackson
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has announced that the state will begin monthly milk testing as part of a national effort to detect highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI/H5N1) in dairy cattle. This action follows the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) requirement for a National Milk Testing Strategy (NMTS), aimed at strengthening nationwide surveillance and rapid response.
Each month, one milk sample will be collected from every dairy farm in Wisconsin. These samples will be tested at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL). To reduce disruption, samples will be collected through existing milk quality labs and certified milk samplers who already work with dairy operations.
If a sample tests positive for H5N1, the WVDL will inform DATCP’s Division of Animal Health. The farm will be notified immediately, and DATCP will help the farm with the next steps, including any necessary quarantines. Clear guidance is available through DATCP’s online resource, What To Do if H5N1 is Confirmed on Your Dairy Farm.
Farms can continue to ship milk if it meets the quality standards under ATCP 65.20, meaning the milk must appear normal—without discoloration or abnormal texture. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and USDA assure the public that pasteurized milk remains safe to consume, even as monitoring efforts increase.
All positive H5N1 samples will be confirmed by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL), ensuring accurate tracking of the virus. This proactive testing program helps protect the dairy industry, public health, and food supply.
Through this initiative, Wisconsin joins other states in supporting early detection and control of bird flu in dairy herds, helping to secure the health of animals and the safety of milk for consumers.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-wikoski
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Poultry